Discumentary: Beth Orton "Central Reservation"

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Orton's sophomore release took a step back from her earlier "folktronica" leanings and brought an album that was more organic in sound. This allowed for a focus on her excellent songwriting and performance, enhanced by guest artists like Dr. John, Terry Callier and Ben Harper.

Almost two years in the making, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot had Wilco jumping record labels, losing band members and significantly changing their sound. The result was worth it for the band, resulting in one of the most beloved albums of 2002.

Tom Waits was in the process of creating his distinctive stage persona at the time of his second studio release. "The Heart of Saturday Night" finds Waits trading in his earlier folk-rock arrangements for a 1950s West Coast style of jazz and Waits' newly evolving gruff vocal presentation.

Billy Bragg's 4th album highlights the two subjects for which he is best known, socialist politics and bittersweet love. Opening with "She's Got a Brand New Spell" and ending with "Waiting For the Great Leap Forward", Bragg rails against capitalism and the vulgarities of love.

Detroit soul singer Bettye LaVette spent four decades in the music industry and suffered many disappointments and missed opportunities. This 2005 release featured 10 covers of songs written by women including Lucinda Williams and Sinead OConnor and helped revive her career.

Taj Mahal released his second album in the fall of 1968. Building on his multi-cultural approach to the blues these songs feature elements of Delta blues but also include an expanding range of influences including rock and country.

The Cranberries formed in Limerick, Ireland in 1990, and three years later they had their first of many Top 10 hits. The band's sound is defined by the vocals of Dolores O'Riordan, who co-writes the songs with bass player Noel Hogan.